Make a Difference: How Women Are Leading with Purpose & Creating Global Impact
- Jeremy Demate
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 25
The Make a Difference Series on The She Believed She Could™ Podcast, sponsored by AdventHealth for Women and Be a Mindleader, celebrates extraordinary women who are using faith, courage, and authenticity to create meaningful change. Each episode highlights a unique story of impact, resilience, and leadership — proof that when women lead with purpose, the ripple effect touches lives around the world.
Noelle Schnacky: Hope, Healing, and Heart-Led Service
As Miss Florida’s Teen 2025 and founder of Hope for Heart Kids, Noelle Schnacky turned personal loss into purpose. After losing her cousin to a congenital heart defect, she launched a foundation that supports families navigating similar challenges. Through her advocacy, books, and faith-driven message, Noelle reminds us that age doesn’t define impact — courage and compassion do.
Watch Noelle's Episode here:
Christi Ashby & Kate Slentz: Empowering Women Through Community and Connection
The powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind Orange Appeal Magazine and The Orlando Women’s Conference, Christi Ashby and Kate Slentz have spent years elevating women’s voices and achievements. Their work has built a thriving community that celebrates women in business, leadership, and philanthropy. Their story is a beautiful testament to what happens when women collaborate instead of compete — entire communities rise together.
Watch Christi and Kate's episode here:
Paris Richardson: Redefining Leadership Through Wellness and Advocacy
As Miss Florida 2025 and founder of C.R.O.W.N. of Health, Paris Richardson has created a statewide movement focused on community wellness, nutrition, and health equity. Inspired by her own experiences in Title I schools, Paris leads initiatives that make health education accessible to children and families. Her dedication earned her the National Quality of Life Award at Miss America 2026, proving that true leadership begins with service.
Watch Paris's episode here:
Check out Paris’s Miss America interviews:
Jaeann Ashton: Building Stronger Communities Through Compassionate Leadership
As Executive Director of Community Engagement at AdventHealth Central Florida, Jaeann Ashton leads with vision and empathy. Her team develops programs that address local needs — from maternal care and mental health to nutrition and housing — ensuring families have access to vital support. Her leadership is a reminder that when organizations listen first and act with compassion, communities truly thrive.
Watch Jaeann's episode here:
Keesha Scott: From Recovery to Redemption and Purpose
As co-founder of Guardian Recovery and host of Cake for Dinner, Keesha Scott embodies authenticity and resilience. With over two decades of sobriety, she uses her platform to help families heal through honesty, humor, and grace. Her journey has now led to a book deal with Simon & Schuster, expanding her message of hope and healing to even more lives around the world.
Watch Keesha's episode here:
Karen Keene: Turning Pain Into Purpose and Advocacy
After surviving an act of gun violence that claimed her husband’s life, Karen Keene chose to transform tragedy into empowerment. Through Athena Next Gen Orlando, she’s mentored more than 500 women in leadership, and as a national fellow with Everytown for Gun Safety, she continues to raise awareness for mental health and violence prevention. Karen’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of purpose.
Watch Karen's episode here:
Dr. Karwanna Irving: Building Wealth with Faith and Integrity
As the founder of She’s Got Goals, Dr. Karwanna Irving teaches women how to create financial freedom through government contracting. Her approach blends faith and strategy, helping entrepreneurs align purpose with prosperity. Dr. Irving’s message is clear — confidence isn’t arrogance; it’s trusting the vision God has placed on your heart.
Jessica Galo: Leading the Mental Health Movement for Families
As Director of Specialty Care at AdventHealth for Children, Jessica Galo continues to make waves through her leadership with Be a Mindleader, an initiative encouraging families to have open conversations about mental health. Her work helps equip parents, educators, and kids with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and mentally. One conversation, as Jessica reminds us, can change — and even save — a life.
Watch Jessica's episode here:
Johanna Kandel: 25 Years of Hope and Healing
As Founder and CEO of The National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Johanna Kandel has dedicated more than two decades to breaking stigma and providing support for individuals and families in recovery. What began as her personal story of healing has evolved into a national movement that’s helped hundreds of thousands find hope. Her mission embodies what it means to turn pain into purpose and make a difference that lasts.
Watch Johanna's episode here:
Believing in the Power of Purpose
The Make a Difference Series was created to celebrate women who embody courage, compassion, and conviction — women who use their stories, experiences, and platforms to create lasting impact. This series stands as a reminder that when one woman rises, she brings others with her, and together we create a ripple effect that transforms communities.
Each conversation reinforces a simple truth: the power to make a difference begins with belief — belief in purpose, in connection, and in the idea that we’re stronger when we lead with heart.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The success of The Make a Difference Series would not have been possible without the incredible partnership and belief of AdventHealth for Women and Be a MindLeader. Their commitment to amplifying stories that inspire hope, healing, and empowerment has helped bring this vision to life in such a meaningful way.
Together, we’ve been able to spotlight extraordinary women whose courage and compassion are creating change — not just in their own circles, but in communities everywhere. This collaboration truly reflects what happens when purpose meets partnership: lives are touched, hearts are lifted, and the impact continues to grow.
🎧 Listen to the Full Make a Difference Series
Every story from this inspiring lineup is part of The Make a Difference Series on The She Believed She Could™ Podcast.
Watch the Final Episode here:
✨ Dive into the full playlist and get inspired by every woman’s journey.
🔥 Are you ready to build an Impact-Driven Personal Brand? Check out the Impact Band Accelerator here
Comments